Schengen Visa Photo (35 × 45 mm)
Schengen countries use the ICAO biometric format: a 35×45 mm photo where the face fills 70–80% of the height. Here are the rules as published by France-Visas, plus a tool that crops to them.
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1. Choose a photo — front-facing, even light, plain light background.
2. Adjust — drag to move, slider to zoom.
3. Optional: replace background
⚠️ Many authorities reject photos that are digitally altered. For the safest result, take the photo against a plain light wall and skip this step.
Background editing is disabled for this photo type because the issuing authority prohibits edited or background-replaced photos. Use a real plain wall.
4. Checks
- Waiting for a photo
Automated checks are guides only — they can't judge expression, glasses, shadows or focus.
5. Download (free)
Requirements at a glance
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital output (this tool) | 413 × 531 px JPEG |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 32–36 mm |
| Background | plain, light-coloured |
| Print resolution | 300 DPI |
| Photos per 4×6 / A4 sheet | 8 / 36 |
| Background editing | avoid; optional tool available |
Official source: https://www.france-visas.gouv.fr/documents/d/france-visas/iso_iec_fv_visa_photograph_requirements_en. Checked 2026-10-20. Rules change — always confirm with the issuing authority before applying.
The specification
The France-Visas photograph instructions (based on ISO/IEC 19794-5 and ICAO 9303) set out the format used across Schengen consulates:
- Size 35 mm wide × 45 mm high, colour, less than six months old.
- Face from chin to crown 32–36 mm, i.e. 70–80% of the photo height, centred.
- Plain, light-coloured, uniform background — no patterns, objects or shadows.
- Looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.
- Glasses only if the eyes are clearly visible, with no reflections and no tinted lenses; no head covering unless for religious reasons with the face fully visible.
Each country, same format — but check your consulate
All Schengen members follow the common Visa Code and the ICAO format, so a correct 35×45 biometric photo is accepted by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the others. However, some consulates or their visa centres (VFS, TLScontact, BLS) also capture a live photo with your fingerprints at the appointment, and a few publish extra preferences such as a light grey background. If you have applied for a biometric Schengen visa in the last 59 months your fingerprints may be reused, but you still need a printed photo for the form.
Using this tool for a Schengen photo
Take the photo in daylight about 1.5 m from a light wall, with the camera at eye level. Upload it, check the blue head-height lines fall between 32 and 36 mm, then download the single image or a print sheet. A 4×6 sheet holds eight 35×45 photos, and an A4 sheet holds 36 — handy if several family members are applying.
Printing
Print at 100% scale with no cropping on good photo paper; the image should not be stretched to fill the paper. Measure one photo with a ruler: it must be exactly 35 mm wide. Avoid home inkjet prints with visible dots — consulates may reject low-quality prints.
Common reasons for rejection
Head too small (often under 30 mm when people leave too much space above), shadows behind the head, a dark or coloured background, smiling with teeth, hair covering the eyes, or a photo older than six months.
How to make a Schengen visa photo with this tool
- Pick a photo taken in the last few months against a plain, light-coloured background, face lit evenly from the front.
- The tool finds your face and scales it so the head is about 34 mm tall on a 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) photo.
- Drag or zoom until every check is green.
- Download the 413×531 px JPG for online forms, or a 4×6 sheet with 8 photos to print.
FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the face 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown (70 to 80% of the height).
Is the Schengen photo the same for all countries?
The format is common across Schengen states (ICAO standard), but check your consulate or visa centre for any local preferences.
What background colour for a Schengen visa photo?
Plain, uniform and light-coloured. White or light grey are both standard.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, there are no reflections, and the lenses are not tinted.
How many Schengen photos fit on a 4x6 print?
Eight 35x45 mm photos fit on a 4x6 inch sheet with cutting gaps.